NEW DELHI। AUGUST 11,2025। SKY LINK TIMES
In a landmark ruling aimed at tackling the rising incidents of dog bites and rabies-related deaths, the Supreme Court on Monday directed that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be removed from residential areas and shifted to secure shelters. The bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan issued the order after taking cognisance of a news report highlighting the alarming increase in rabies cases in the region.
The court instructed civic bodies across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram to immediately begin building well-equipped dog shelters with sterilisation, vaccination, and CCTV surveillance to prevent escapes. Authorities must also set up a dedicated helpline for reporting dog bite cases and submit progress reports within eight days.
“We are doing this in public interest. No sentiments of any nature should be involved. Pick up dogs from all localities and shift them to shelters. Forget the rules for now,” Justice Pardiwala stated during the hearing.
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The bench made it clear that no adoptions of stray dogs will be allowed during this period, citing concerns that some animals could be released back onto the streets. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a relocation site had already been identified in Delhi but faced delays due to stay orders obtained by animal rights activists.
Expressing frustration, the judges remarked, “Will these activists bring back those who have fallen prey to rabies? We need streets absolutely free of stray dogs.”
According to Municipal Corporation of Delhi data, the capital reported 49 rabies cases and over 35,000 animal bite incidents between January and June this year. The World Health Organization estimates that India accounts for 36% of global rabies deaths, with the virus claiming nearly 60,000 lives annually.
The court warned that any person or organization obstructing the relocation drive would face contempt of court charges. Authorities were also told to publish details of rabies vaccine availability and monthly treatment statistics.The order emphasized urgency, stating:
“Not a single stray dog should be released once captured. If such an incident is found, stern action will follow.”
With the Supreme Court’s intervention, the Delhi-NCR region is now set for one of its largest animal control operations in recent years, aiming to ensure public safety while creating structured shelter systems for stray dogs.
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